Gossypol is a pigment that is found in certain plants, including the cotton plant. It is found in the seeds, stem, and roots. It's used as medicine.
Gossypol interferes with sperm development and function. In the cotton plant, it acts as a natural defensive chemical that can lead to infertility in insects.
People most commonly use gossypol for birth control. It is also used for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Don't confuse gossypol with cotton. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Birth control. Taking gossypol by mouth seems to reduce sperm count and function. While these effects seem to be reversible, it might lead to permanent infertility in some people.
- Lung cancer. Taking gossypol by mouth doesn't help people with advanced lung cancer to live longer.
- Prostate cancer. Taking gossypol by mouth doesn't help people with advanced prostate cancer to live longer.
There is interest in using gossypol for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Gossypol is possibly safe when used in doses of 20 mg or less daily for up to one year. But gossypol is possibly unsafe when used at higher doses or for longer than one year. Higher doses might lead to malnutrition, stomach bleeding, heart failure, and liver problems. Permanent infertility also seems to be more likely at higher doses and when used longer-term.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gossypol is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to take gossypol by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.
Breast-feeding: It is possibly unsafe to take gossypol by mouth while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia): Gossypol might make low potassium levels worse. Avoid using it if you have this condition.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin.
Stimulant laxatives
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea, which can also decrease potassium levels. Taking these products together might make potassium levels drop too low.
Theophylline
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Theophylline might decrease some of the effects of gossypol.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Gossypol can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking gossypol along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides: Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of chemicals called cardiac glycosides. This can increase the risk of heart damage. Examples of supplements that contain cardiac glycosides include black hellebore, foxglove, lily-of-the-valley, oleander, and pleurisy root.
Horsetail: Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Horsetail increases the production of urine and this can also cause the body to lose potassium. Taking gossypol along with horsetail might make potassium levels drop too low.
Licorice: Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Licorice also causes the body to lose potassium. Taking gossypol along with licorice might make potassium levels drop too low.
Stimulant laxative herbs: Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea, which can also decrease potassium levels. Taking gossypol along with stimulant laxatives might make potassium levels drop too low. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, alder buckthorn, rhubarb, and senna.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Gossypol has most often been used by adults in doses of 20 mg by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
2,2'-Bis(8-formyl-1,6,7-trihydroxy-5-isopropyl-3-methylnaphthalene), Coton Velu, Cotonnier Herbacé, Cottonseed Oil Extract, Extrait d'Huile de Coton, Gosipol, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium hirsutum, Karpasa.
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